Previous Adult Forum Topics

May 2
Sigel and St. Tim's

Karen Hylton and Evelyn Woods

St. Timothy's partnership with Sigel Elementary School is growing. Karen Hylton, Community Outreach Coordinator for the St. Louis Board of Education and Coordinator of the Faith Based Partnerships, will discuss the rationale and growth of the Faith Based Partnership initiative from its inception to the current day. She will highlight some of the successes and challenges from her perspective as coordinator. Evelyn Woods, Principal of Sigel Elementary, will present Sigel School and her vision and challenges for the education of the students. She will discuss how our partnership is working in the school. A question and answer period will follow the presentations. Tutors currently volunteering at Sigel will also be present to answer questions.
 

April 25
Finding a Frame for Climate Change

April 18
Paul: Feminist or Misogynist?

Mary Dunn, Ph.D.

Selected passages from the letters of Paul will be examined in an effort to see how women figure in Paul’s theology and vision for the early church. While some passages suggest that Paul championed women’s leadership and authority in the early church, others seem to give expression to a patriarchal interpretation of Christian belief and practice premised on the notions that women were inferior, not fit to minister, and at fault for the Fall of man and the sins of humanity. How can we reconcile these two conflicting strands in Paul? What exactly was Paul’s attitude towards the role of women in the early church? Was Paul, in the end, a feminist or a misogynist? Mary Dunn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Theological Studies at St. Louis University. She specializes in the history of Christianity in the Early Modern Period.
 

April 11
Afghanistan Today and Tomorrow

March 28
Partnership: St. Tim’s and the Danforth Foundation

March 21
What is Social Media (and What Can It Do For Our Congregation)?

March 14
Evil, Suffering and a God of Love

March 7
Health Care Reform-American Style

James Kimmey, M.D.
Proposals for the reform of the American health care system have been considered by Congress for more than fifty years. Dr. James Kimmey, president of the Missouri Foundation for Health and a nationally prominent advocate for reform, will discuss the status of legislation and its implications for patients, health care professionals and society at large.

 

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Jan. 10
Stem Cells and Cancer

Michael Creer, M.D.

Dr. Creer will discuss methods used to create stem cells from non-embryonic sources and the utilization of these cells for therapy of human diseases in experimental animal models. In addition, he will explore the impact of studies demonstrating that cancer is essentially a stem cell disease. Dr. Creer is a Professor of Pathology at St. Louis University Medical School.

Jan. 3
Traces of the Trade

Video Presentation and Discussion

This video documents the story of a New England family and its hidden enterprise, slave-trading, but it could easily be translated into our own St. Louis history. The Diocesan Commission on Dismantling Racism provides a topic for lively discussion in advance of the Martin Luther King observance.

Dec. 6/13/20
On The Way to Nineveh: Journeying With Jonah

The Rev. Dr. Ben Asen

Though only four brief chapters, few biblical books have generated as many questions and as much controversy in the history of Christian interpretation of the Old Testament as Jonah. This series will accompany Jonah on his reluctant journey as God's prophet and explore the meaning of his life and message then and now. Dr. Asen is an Associate Professor, Department of Theological Studies at St. Louis University.

Nov. 8/15
The Social Gospel and Its Prophetic Foundations/The Social Gospel and Its Foundations in the Ministry of Jesus

The Rev. Dr. Clint McCann

The Social Gospel movement originated in the late 19th century and was very prominent during the first two decades of the 20th century. It had (and has) deep Biblical roots in both the Old and New Testaments, especially the Prophets and the ministry of Jesus. While the general conclusion is that the Social Gospel movement waned in the wake of the First World War, it had a major impact on the shape of so-called Liberal Protestantism in the 20th century, and its influence is still clearly evident today. Dr. McCann is Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Eden Theological Seminary.

Nov. 22
Report from Diocesan Convention

St. Timothy's Delegates will share information about the recently concluded Convention of the Diocese of Missouri. Learn what topics were discussed, what resolutions were passed, and what impact this convention will have on our life as a Diocesan parish.

Nov. 29
Advent Event

Everyone is invited to participate in this fun and creative intergenerational event: enjoy the many activities as we begin the Advent season. Come share a light snack and good fellowship with the entire parish family.

Nov. 1
The Puzzling Case of the Rape of Dinah

Mary Dunn, Ph.D.

In this forum, we will examine the rape of Dinah as it's told in Genesis 34. We will look closely at Genesis 34 from a number of different interpretative angles (literary, feminist, etc.) and wrestle with the question of how, ultimately, to read this difficult text. What is the place of this brutal story within the Biblical tradition and what are its ethical implications for Christians? Dr. Dunn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Theological Studies at St. Louis University.

Oct. 18/25
He Says, She Says: The Impact of Gender on Relationships

Marilyn Kuhn and the Rev. Dale Kuhn

Explore the impact of gender on relationships, how we process information and our ability to communicate effectively. Marilyn and Dale Kuhn are licensed counselors. Dale is a Lutheran minister and Executive Director of Care and Counseling.

Oct. 11
Jewish Denominations - Origins and Differences

Rabbi Joe Rosenbloom

What are the origins, beliefs and differences of Jewish denominations, including Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and others? Rabbi Rosenbloom is Rabbi Emeritus and Senior Scholar at Temple Emanuel and Rabbi - in - Residence at St. Peter's Episcopal Church.

Oct. 4
Is Marriage Obsolete?

Brenda Bobo-Fisher

What are some of the challenges in maintaining healthy marriages in today's society? What is the impact of increased cohabitation and unwed births? This program will include statistical data on what is happening both regionally and nationally, and some thoughts on how Christians can respond to these social trends. Ms. Bobo-Fisher works with the St. Louis Healthy Marriage Coalition, and is also Director of Community Initiatives at St. Louis University.

Sept. 27 A Lui Snapshot

Jim Hinrichs, M.D.

Dr. Hinrichs will talk about his May 2009 experience as a missioner from the Diocese of Missouri to the Diocese of Lui in Southern Sudan, especially his work in Lui Hospital. The Rev. Emily Bloemker, Debbie Smith, and Marc Vanacht will join Jim to talk about missions past and future.

Sept. 13 Rally Day - Ministry Fair

Learn about the many ministries at St. Timothy's and see how you might become involved; register for Church School; gather information of interest to you...all this and more will be featured. Our annual Stewardship program begins with this opportunity to commit your Time and Talent. A continental breakfast will be available between services on Sunday, and a visit from the popular Ice Cream Truck will be featured after the 10:30 service. (A Wine and Cheese reception will be offered following the 5:00 pm service Saturday.)

Sept. 20 General Convention 2009 Revisited

The Rev. Jack Fleming and Kathy Dyer, Deputies

The General Convention made decisions which will impact the course of our Church. Come hear some reflections on this summer's Convention and its impact on our life as Episcopalians.

September 14

Stewardship Breakfast

Enjoy a delicious full breakfast, cooked and served compliments of the Stewardship Ministry and the Vestry. Join the parish family for this special event as we commit our Treasure for 2008-09. Refreshments will be served at the 5:00 service on September 13.

2008-2009

September 21

A Primer on Adult Education in Missouri

Sally Sandy

The Parkway Adult Education and Literacy Program offers many opportunities for adults to learn more in the areas of literacy, GED, workskills and English as a Second Language (ESL). Hear about the ESL classes located at St. Tim's and how these classes fit into overall programming. More than 100 trained volunteer tutors support the Parkway programs, and you may want to join them. Ms. Sandy has taught the ESL classes, has served as ESL Coordinator and has just completed her fifth year as Program Director.

September 28

A King-Sized Archaeology Controversy: Is the Glorified Kingdom of David and Solomon History or Myth??? Larry Perlmutter

Over the past two decades, the historicity of the biblical version of the Glorified Kingdom of David and Solomon has occupied center stage among Biblical Archaeology controversies. At stake is the validity of the history of the Jews during the Golden Age of the United Kingdom of Judah and Israel. In addition, this hot-button issue has political implications associated with Israel's territorial claims based on the Bible. Mr. Perlmutter will present the archaeological evidence on both sides of the issue. He is the immediate past president of the St. Louis Society of the Archaeological Institute of America and just last month excavated at the site of Ramat Rachel in Jerusalem.

October 5

How Children Thrive

Beth Vaccaro

What is it that a child really needs to bloom into a successful adult? We will explore several important areas including the emotional, physical and spiritual needs children require in order to thrive. Ms. Vaccaro has her M.A. in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Care and Counseling.

October 12

Dismantling Racism

The Commission on Dismantling Racism is a standing commission of the Diocese of Missouri with the mission of working against racism and discrimination in all of its forms, inside and outside of the church, increasing awareness, and working with parishes to embrace diversity. Members of the Commission will discuss their work and the new initiative for parishes, Seeing the Face of God.

October 19

Reflections on Lambeth

The Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith

Bishop Smith will share his experiences from this summer's Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, England.

October 26 & November 2

The Psalms and Justice

The Rev. Dr. Clint McCann

These two sessions will explore one of the most important words and concepts in the Psalms and the entire Bible - justice. As we encounter the expansive concept of justice in the Psalms and beyond, we shall discover that God's justice and God's grace are not mutually exclusive; and we shall consider some of the far-reaching implications of this conclusion. October 26 - The Most Important Texts in the Bible: Psalms 72, 82, and 98 November 2 - Vengeance in the Psalms/Toward Restorative Justice: Psalms 3, 109, 137 Dr. McCann is Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Groves.

November 9

A Conversation About St. Tim's Future

The Rev. Jack Fleming

Hear reflections on the visit to St. Tim's by Loren Mead of The Alban Institute, a church consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. This is the first phase of a study funded by the Danforth Foundation.

November 16

The Third Leg of the Stool: Reason in the Theology of the Episcopal Church

Dr. Jim Hood

Since the days of Richard Hooker, the Church has based its theology on the "three-legged stool" of Scripture, Tradition and Reason. This forum will focus on the role of reason in shaping our beliefs. We will explore Hooker's contributions, and the ongoing use of reason in the formation of belief and the disputes that frequently accompany that formulation. Dr. Hood is a retired professor of History.

November 23

Report From Diocesan Convention

St. Timothy's Delegates will share information about the recently concluded Convention of the Diocese of Missouri. Learn what topics were discussed, what resolutions were passed, and what impact this convention will have on our life as a Diocesan parish.

November 30

Advent Event

Everyone is invited to participate in this fun and creative intergenerational event. Enjoy a variety of activities, share a light snack and good fellowship as the Advent season begins.

December 7, 14, & 21

Ezekiel: Prophet and Priest in Exile

The Rev. Dr. Ben Asen

This series will look at the often ignored Book of the prophet Ezekiel. Because of its strangeness, Jewish tradition actually banned the reading of the book by anyone under the age of thirty. His bizarre vision in Chapter 1 and the many references to Ezekiel as Son of Man (Mortal) will be explored and explained. Dr. Asen is an Associate Professor, Department of Theological Studies at St. Louis University

January 4 & 11

Can You Be a Servant and a Leader at the Same Time?

Participate in an exploration of "Servant Leadership" as it applies to our professional and personal lives. Learn how being a servant first can produce extraordinary leaders. Case studies will be presented followed by small group discussion. Suggested reading: Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf, Paulist Press.

January 18

Meet the Candidates

Candidates for Vestry, Convention Delegate, and Endowment Trustee will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and share what gifts they might bring to these ministries. This provides an excellent opportunity to prepare for next week's Annual Meeting as an informed voter.

January 25

Annual Meeting of the Parish

February 1/8

The Message of St. Mark for the Church Today

Dr. Deborah Krause

The lectionary cycle this year calls upon texts from the Gospel of Mark. While readings from the gospel will inform our worship throughout this year, this study will provide an overview of the entire gospel, and explore its meaning for the church today.

February 15

A Look at Lui

Debbie Smith

Hear a first-hand report on the Diocese of Missouri's recent and upcoming trips to the Diocese of Lui in Sudan with a special emphasis on Lui Parish, St. Timothy's sister congregation. Expect photos, video, and artifacts. Debbie is Co-Leader of the Mission Team for the Companion Relationship. This was her second trip to the area.

February 22

The Fat Sunday Breakfast

Come enjoy the fun and a delicious breakfast! Everyone is welcome.

March 1

The Biologic Basis of the Stem Cell Controversy

Michael H. Creer, M.D.

What are the issues in this quickly changing field and where are we heading in research and practice? Dr. Creer is a Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics and Director of the Laboratory Medicine Division in the Department of Pathology at St. Louis University School of Medicine. He has an active research program in stem cell biology and also teaches stem cell biology to medical students and graduate students at SLU.

March 8

Episcopal Church/Roman Catholic Church--Similarities and Differences

Jim Hood/The Rev. Jack Fleming

We will explore a number of areas--sacraments, organization, traditions, governance, and the like--and compare the two traditions. Dr. Hood is a retired Professor of History at Lindenwood University and the Rev. Jack Fleming is the Rector of St. Timothy's.

March 15

The Muslim World: Toward a Meaningful Dialogue

John Robert Leguey-Feilleux